Toilet and flushing system

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to an improved toilet and flushing system, wherein the system includes a toilet bowl; a pressured water supply; at least one flow regulator and at least one water outlet; characterized in that the system includes at least one control device configured to operate said flow regulator(s) to control the flow of the pressured water supply, and wherein the outlet(s) are configured to deliver water from the pressured water supply, so that water from the pressured water supply which creates a venturi effect to evacuate waster and water from the bowl and travels along wall(s) of the toilet bowl to wash and refill the toilet.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates to an improved toilet flushing system andincludes methods for flushing and manufacture of the improved toilet.

BACKGROUND ART

The common gravity fed toilet system known today which utilises a toiletbowl connected to a cistern has the following disadvantages:

-   -   It requires a reservoir or cistern to be full of water to enable        it to flush, thus a toilet cannot be re-flushed immediately        after a flush, until the cistern has been refilled.    -   It requires a large volume of water for the toilet to flush        properly and completely so that no waster residue is left in the        bowl of the toilets.    -   It can take a considerable amount of time for the flushing to be        completed.    -   The toilet when flushed generates a substantial amount of noise.    -   The toilet cistern when filling often also creates a substantial        amount of noise.    -   The cistern requires several moving parts and washers so that it        can operate, making it prone to mechanical failure and        unnecessary water wastage due to leaking washers or other faulty        parts. Furthermore, the ball cock valves often employed within a        cistern can be notoriously unreliable in terms of their        operation.

In the United States of America common gravity fed toilets, whenflushed, fill the bowl nearly completely with water. Thus, during theinitial flush when the bowl is emptied these toilets can be relativelyquiet. However, a major drawback with these toilets is that they utilizea large volume of water and still require a cistern in order to operate.They are therefore still noisy when the cistern refills.

Other toilets which require no cistern often utilize an extendedvertical pipe within the wall cavity as a reservoir. However, suchtoilets are still noisy when flushed.

All references, including any patents or patent applications cited inthis specification are hereby incorporated by reference. No admission ismade that any reference constitutes prior art. The discussion of thereferences states wheat their authors assert, and the applicants reservethe right to challenge the accuracy and pertinency of the citeddocuments. It will be clearly understood that, although a number ofprior art publications are referred to herein, this reference does notconstitute an admission that any of these documents form part of thecommon general knowledge in the art, in New Zealand or in any othercountry.

It is acknowledged that the term ‘comprise’ may, under varyingjurisdictions, be attributed with either an exclusive or an inclusivemeaning. For the purpose of this specification, and unless otherwisenoted, the term ‘comprise’ shall have an inclusive meaning—i.e. that itwill be taken to mean an inclusion of not only the listed components itdirectly references, but also other non-specified components orelements. This rational will also be used when the term ‘comprised’ or‘comprising’ is used in relation to one or more steps in a method orprocess.

It is an object of the present invention to address the foregoingproblems or at least to provide the public with a useful choice.

Further aspects and advantages of the present invention will becomeapparent from the ensuing description which is given by way of exampleonly.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided animproved toilet and flushing system, wherein the system includes:

-   -   a toilet bowl; and    -   a pressured water supply;    -   at least one flow regulator;    -   at least one water outlet;        characterized in that the system includes at least one control        device configured to operate said flow regulator(s) to control        the low of the pressured water supply, and wherein the outlet(s)        are configured to deliver water from the pressured water supply,        so that water from the pressured water supply:    -   a) creates a venturi effect to evacuate waster and water from        the bowl;    -   b) travels along wall(s) of the toilet bowl to wash and refill        the toilet.

In preferred embodiments the water from the water supply may enter thebowl via at least two top outlets and at least one bottom outlet.However, this should not necessarily be seen as limiting.

In general, the control device may be operably connected to the flowregulator, such that when the control device is activated to flush thetoilet, the control device is configured to operate the flow regulatorso that:

-   -   a) water from water supply can enter the bowl from the bottom        outlet for a predetermined period of time; and    -   b) water from water supply can then enter the bowl from the two        top outlets for a predetermined period of time; and then    -   c) the water supply to the bowl is shut off, until the control        device is reactivated to flush the toilet:        wherein said bottom outlet is configured to create a venturi        effect capable of evacuating waster and water from the bowl, and        wherein said top outlets are positioned about the top of the        bowl and are configured to direct water on the wall of the bowl,        so that water can travel along the wall(s) of the bowl to wash        and refill the toilet.

According to a further aspect of the present invention there is providedan improved toilet and flushing system, wherein the system includes:

-   -   a toilet bowl; and    -   a pressured water supply;        the system characterized in that the toilet bowl is adapted so        that water from the water supply can enter the bowl, via at        least two top outlets and at least one bottom outlet, wherein        the system also includes at least one control device operably        connected at least one flow regulator, to regulate the flow of        water from the water supply to the bowl, such that when the        control device is activated to flush the toilet, the control        device is configured to operate the flow regulator so that:    -   a) water from water supply can enter the bowl from the bottom        outlet for a predetermined period of time; and    -   b) water from water supply can then enter the bowl from the two        top outlets for a predetermined period of time; and then    -   c) the water supply to the bowl is shut off, until the control        device is reactivated to flush the toilet:        wherein said bottom outlet is configured to create a venturi        effect capable of evacuating waste and water from the bowl, and        wherein said top outlets are positioned about the top of the        bowl and are configured to direct water on the wall(s) of the        bowl, so that water can travel along the wall(s) of the bowl to        wash and refill the toilet.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is providedan improved toilet and flushing system, substantially as describedabove, wherein the system utilises two flow regulators, a first flowregulator to control the flow of water to the bottom outlet, and asecond flow regulator to control the flow of water to the top outlets.

According to a further aspect of the present invention there is providedan improved toilet and flushing system, substantially as described abovewherein the top outlets are positioned about the top of the bowl, suchthat water when exiting the outlets, travels around and down the wallsof the bowl in a substantially clockwise or anti-clockwise direction.

Accordingly to a further aspect of the present invention there isprovided a method for flushing a toilet comprising the steps of:

-   -   a) controlling the flow of a pressured water supply to a toilet        bowl;    -   b) delivering the pressured water supply to the toilet bowl so        that water from the pressured water supply;        -   i) creates a venturi effect to evacuate waster and water            from the bowl; and        -   ii) travels along wall(s) of the toilet bowl to wash and            refill the toilet.

According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provideda method for flushing a toilet comprising the steps of:

-   -   a) providing water to at least one bottom outlet, for a        predetermined period of time, wherein said outlet is positioned        in the base of the toilet bowl and configured to achieve a        venturi effect capable of evacuating waste and water from the        bowl; and then    -   b) providing water to at least two top outlets for a        predetermined period of time wherein said outlets are positioned        at the top of the toilet bowl and are configured so that water        is directed onto the walls of the toilet bowl; and then    -   c) stopping the flow of water to the outlets to complete the        flush cycle.

Preferably, the venturi effect leaves the bowl empty.

According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provideda method of manufacturing a toilet comprising the steps of:

-   -   a) providing at least one water outlet in the base of a toilet        bowl wherein said outlet is configured to achieve a venturi        effect when operated;    -   b) providing at least two water outlets about the top of toilet        bowl configured to direct water on the wall(s) of the bowl.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided akit for a toilet and flushing system which includes:

-   -   a) at least one water toilet in the base of a toilet bowl        wherein said outlet is configured to achieve a venturi effect        when operated;    -   b) at least two water outlets about the top of a toilet bowl        configured to direct water on the wall(s) of the bowl.    -   c) at least one flow regulator to regulate the flow of water        from the water supply to said outlets;    -   d) at least one control device to activate and deactivate at        least one flow regulator.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is providedan improved toilet and flushing system, wherein the system includes:

-   -   a toilet bowl; and    -   a pressured water supply;        the system characterized in that the toilet bowl is adapted so        that water from the water supply can enter the bowl, via at        least two top outlets and at least one bottom outlet, wherein        the system also includes at least one control device, operably        connected to at least one flow regulator to regulate the flow of        water from the water supply to the bowl, such that when the        control device is activated, to flush the toilet, the control        device is configured to operate the flow regulator so that:    -   a) water from water supply enters the bowl from the two top        outlets for a predetermined period of time; and    -   b) water from water supply then enters the bowl from the bottom        outlet for a predetermined period of time; and    -   c) water from the water supply then re-enters the bowl from the        two top outlets for a further predetermined period of time; and        then    -   d) the water supply to the bowl is shut off until the control        device is reactivated to flush the toilet;        wherein said bottom outlet is configured to create a venturi        effect capable of evacuating waste and water from the bowl, and        wherein said top outlets are positioned about the top of the        bowl and are configured to direct water on to the wall(s) of the        bowl, so that water can travel along the wall(s) of bowl when        the toilet is filled.

The toilet bowl may have a variety of configurations without departingfrom the scope of the present invention.

Generally, the toilet bowl may include a rim; a base. The toilet isusually also connected to a P or S trap and is connected to a mainssewer system, septic tank or other waste reservoir in the normal manner.

The term “pressured water supply” refers to a source of water which canbe supplied at pressure.

In preferred embodiments the pressured water supply may be a mains watersupply.

In general, the mains water supply may have a water pressure of at leastsubstantially 30-70 PSI. Preferably, the water pressure of the mainswater supply may be substantially 30 PSI.

However, other types of pressured water supply may be utilised withoutdeparting from the scope of the present invention, provided they supplywater to the toilet at a water pressure substantially as outlined above.

The water outlets may have a variety of different configurations withoutdeparting from the scope of the present invention.

In general, the water outlets may be any suitable nozzle, opening orsuch like.

Preferably the tope outlets are configured to allow for water to bedirected onto the tope of the wall(s) of the toilet.

The number of top outlets used in the present invention may vary withoutdeparting from the scope of the present invention.

Generally, at least two top outlets may be utilised in the presentinvention.

Preferably, three top outlets may be utilised in the present invention.

The term “venturi effect” as used herein refers to the reduction inpressure or vacuum created by an increase of fluid flow velocity.

In preferred embodiments, the venturi effect may be created by:

-   -   a) water exiting the bottom outlet through a tapered end portion        which increases the velocity of the water; and    -   b) the water exiting the bottom outlet such that it is directed        towards the back of the bowl to a point approximately 5 cm above        the outlet;        such that water and waste are sucked out of the bowl to leave        the bowl empty.

However, this should not be seen in limiting the scope of the presentinvention as the venturi effect may also be achieved via other means.

The flow regulators may have a variety of configurations withoutdeparting from the scope of the present invention.

Generally, the flow regulators may comprise an on/off valve or suchlike. However, this should not be seen as limiting the presentinvention.

In one preferred embodiment the flow regulator may be a solenoid valvehaving an inlet and two outlets wherein the valve is configured to becapable of:

-   -   a) directing water to either a first or second outlet from said        valve; and    -   b) shutting off the water supply to both outlets.

In another preferred embodiment there may be provided two flowregulators in the form of solenoid (on/off) valves each having an inletand an outlet. In general the solenoid valve may be any suitablesolenoid valves as would be readily apparent to a person skilled in theart. For example, the solenoid valves may substantially be the same asthose used in domestic appliances such as dishwasher and the like.

The control device may have a variety of configurations withoutdeparting from the scope of the present invention.

Generally, the control device may consist of any device which isconfigured to be capable of operating at least one flow regulator in thedesired manner, over a predetermined time period.

In one preferred embodiment the control device may be an electronictiming device capable of being configured to operate at least one flowregulator in a desired manner over a predetermined time period.

Most preferably, the control device may be capable of being adjusted toallow for the flow regulators to be operated at different predeterminedtimes depending on the pressure of the pressured water supply.

In some embodiments the control device may be or include a suitablyprogrammable logic unit such as a CPU.

In some further embodiments the control device may sense the pressure ofthe water supply and may adjust the predetermined rinses the flowregulator(s) remain open accordingly.

In one embodiment the predetermined time that the flow regulator isopened for the bottom outlet is substantially 8 seconds when the mainspressure is at substantially 30-60 PSI so as to allow for the bowl to beevacuated.

In another preferred embodiment the predetermined time that the flowregulator is opened for the top outlet is substantially 3 seconds whenthe mains pressure is at 30-60 PSI so as to allow for the bowl to beevacuated.

The inventor has found these parameters to be very economical in termsof water use such that only 3-4 litres of water is required per flush.

However, it will be clear to those skilled in the art that the flowregulators may remain open for different predetermined times dependenton the mains pressure from which the system is being operated, and/orthe order in which the flow regulators are operated.

In general, water is supplied to the top and bottom outlets via separateconduits that are connected to the flow regulator(s).

Thus, preferred embodiments of the present invention provide an improvedtoilet and flushing system which may have the following advantages;

-   -   a) is substantially quiet in its flushing operation;    -   b) only requires a small volume of water to flush the toilet;    -   c) does not require a cistern to operate;    -   d) is capable of connecting directly to a mains water supply.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Further aspects of the present invention will become apparent from theensuing description which is given by way of example only and withreference to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 shows a schematic side view of one preferred embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 2 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the base of the toiletsystem of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 shows a schematic plan view of the toilet bowl of the toiletsystem of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 shows a transverse cross-sectional schematic view of the rim ofthe toilet along the plane of line E-E on FIG. 3.

FIG. 4 shows a longitudinal cross-sectional schematic view of the rim ofthe toilet bowl along the plane of line F-F on FIG. 3.

BEST MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

With respect to the drawings there is shown in improved toilet andflushing system generally indicated by arrow 1. The toilet and flushingsystem has a toilet bowl 2, water 3 supplied via conduit connected to amains water supply (not shown) having a pressure of substantiallybetween 30 and 70 PSI. The toilet bowl 2, has one bottom outlet 4, andthree top outlets 5 and a waste channel 9. The flow of water 3 from themains water supply is regulated by solenoid valves 7 and 8, such arecommonly used in conventional dishwashers which have an inlet andoutlets. The solenoid valves 7 and 8 are connected via wires 71 and 81to a control device in this form of an electronic timer 6, such as a twocycle output timer.

In operation when the electronic timing device 6 is activated bydepressing a switch 10 the electronic timing device 6 opens the solenoidvalve 7 so that water 3 can be supplied via conduit 11 to the bottomoutlet 4. The valve 7 remains open for a set period of time, preferablysubstantially 8 seconds so that the water and waste residing in the baseof the bowl can be evacuated, via the venturi effect, into the wastechannel 9. The electronic timing device 6 then closes the solenoid valve7 and opens solenoid valve 8 for a set period of time, preferablysubstantially 3 seconds, to provide water to the top outlets 5 viaconduit 12. The three top outlets 5 direct water onto the walls of thebowl 2 thereby rinsing the sides of the bowl 2. The solenoid valve 8remains open until sufficient water has filled the base of the bowl tothe desired level indicated by double headed arrow X. In general, thelevel indicated by arrow X is approximately 10 cm above the base of thebowl 2. The electronic timing device 6 then closes solenoid valve 8 tocomplete the flushing cycle.

FIG. 2 shows a detailed cross-sectional view of the base of the toiletbowl 2. The bottom outlet 4 is positioned within the base of the toiletbowl 2. The bottom outlet has been configured so water 3 exiting theoutlet is directed onto the back of bowl 2 at point A, which isapproximately 5 cm above the position of the bottom outlet 4. As canalso be seen the bottom outlet 4 has an opening with a diameter that isreduced with respect to the diameter of conduit 11 so as to help createa venturi. Then inventor has also found that the venturi effect isfurther enhanced when the outlet 4 is directed at point A, on the backwall of the bowl towards the P (or S) trap. The effect of the venturi isto evacuate water and waste as described above to empty the bowl 2.

FIG. 3 is a plan view of the toilet bowl 2. The conduit 12 is positionedaround the top of the bowl so that is can provide water to the three topoutlets 5 which are positioned at regular intervals around the bowl 2.When water 3 exits the top outlets 5 and is directed at an angle downonto the wall 23 of the bowl 2 and also around the bowl in the directionof dotted arrows 3 so as to create a circular (swirling) flow of wateraround wall 23.

FIGS. 4 and 5 respectively show a transverse (refer line E-E) andlongitudinal (refer line F-F) cross-sectional views of the rim of thetoilet bowl shown in FIG. 3. As can be seen the conduit 12 is integrallyformed as part of the rim 22 of the bowl 2. However, it should beappreciated that the conduit 12 may in some embodiments be fitted to therim and attached via clips, adhesive or other suitable fastening means.The outlets 5 are angled so as to:

-   -   a) direct water 3 as indicated by the dotted arrow onto the        wall(s) of the bowl 2 (refer FIG. 4); and    -   b) direct water as indicated by arrow B so that it exits the        outlet 5 in a substantially clockwise direction as indicated by        dotted arrow 3 (refer FIGS. 3 and 5).

Aspects of the present invention have been described by way of exampleonly and it should be appreciated that modifications and additions maybe made thereto without departing from the scope thereof as defined inthe appended claims.

1. A toilet comprising a toilet bowl having a water outlet, a firstwater supply conduit having at least one outlet in the vicinity of anupper region of the toilet bowl, a second water supply conduit having anoutlet in a lower region of the bowl, the outlet of the second watersupply conduit oriented to direct water passing therethrough towards thewater outlet and against a surface of the toilet bowl, a water inletconduit adapted for connection to a pressurized water supply and tochannel water to said first and second water supply conduits, a firstflow regulator in said first water supply conduit and a second flowregulator in said second water supply conduit, a control deviceconfigured to operate said first and second flow regulators to controlthe flow of pressurised water in said first and second water supplyconduits to selectively deliver water from the pressurised water supply,a) via the second water supply conduit to create a venturi effect toevacuate waste and water from the toilet bowl; and b) via the firstwater supply conduit to travel along the wall of the toilet bowl tothereby wash and refill the toilet.
 2. A toilet as claimed in claim 1,wherein the diameter of the outlet of the second water supply conduit isless than the diameter of the second water supply conduit.
 3. A toiletas claimed in claim 1, wherein the control device is operably connectedto the flow regulators, such that when the control device is activatedto flush the toilet, the control device is configured to operate theflow regulator so that: a) water from the pressurised water supplyenters the bowl via the first water supply for a predetermined period oftime, b) water from the pressurised water supply enters the bowl via thesecond water supply conduit from the bottom outlet for a predeterminedperiod of time; c) water from the pressurised water supply thenre-enters the bowl via the first water supply conduit for apredetermined period of time; and then d) water supply to the bowl isshut off, until the control device is reactivated to flush the toilet.4. A toilet as claimed in claim 1, wherein the water inlet conduit isadapted for connection to a mains water supply having water pressure ofat least 30 PSI.
 5. A toilet as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at leastone outlet in the vicinity of an upper region of the toilet bowl is/arepositioned about the top of the bowl, such that water exiting the outletor outlets travels around and down the walls of the bowl in asubstantially clockwise or anti-clockwise direction.
 6. A toilet, asclaimed in claim 5, wherein the top outlet or outlets are configured toallow for water to be directed onto the top of the wall of the toilet.7. A toilet as claimed in claim 1, wherein water exiting the outlet ofthe second water supply conduit does so through a tapered end portionwhich increases the velocity of the water and directs it towards thewater outlet of the toilet bowl at a point on the wall of the toiletbowl approximately 5 centimeters above the outlet of the second watersupply conduit such that water and waste are sucked out of the bowl toleave the bowl empty.
 8. A toilet as claimed in claim 1, wherein theflow regulators comprise on/off valves.
 9. A toilet as claimed in claim1, wherein the flow regulators comprise a solenoid valve having an inletand two outlets wherein the valve is configured for: a) directing waterto either the first or second water supply conduits, and b) shutting offthe water supply to both water supply conduits.
 10. A toilet as claimedin claim 1, wherein there are provided two flow regulators in the formof separate solenoid valves each having an inlet and an outlet.
 11. Atoilet as claimed in claim 1, wherein the control device is anelectronic timing device.
 12. A method of flushing a toilet comprisingthe steps of: a) controlling the flow of a pressurised water supply to atoilet bowl, b) delivering the pressurised water supply to the toiletbowl so that the pressurised water: i) creates a venturi effect toevacuate waste and water from the toilet bowl by being directed towardsa water outlet of the toilet bowl and against a surface of the toiletbowl, and ii) travels along the wall of the toilet bowl to thereby washand refill the toilet.
 13. A method for flushing a toilet as claimed inclaim 12, further comprising the steps of: i) providing water to atleast two top outlets for a predetermined period of time, wherein thetop outlets are positioned at the top of the toilet bowl to direct wateronto the wall of the toilet bowl, ii) providing water to at least onebottom outlet for a predetermined period of time wherein said bottomoutlet or outlets is positioned in the base of the toilet bowl andconfigured to achieve a venturi effect capable of evacuating water andwaste from the bowl, (iii) providing water to the at least two topoutlets for a predetermined period of time, and (iv) stopping the flowof water to the top outlets to complete the flush cycle once the bowlhas been filled to the desired level.